Chapman Apologizes for Using Gun, Says Never Hurt Girlfriend

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — A day after accepting a 30-game suspension, New York Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman has apologized for using a gun and insisted he never hurt his girlfriend.

Chapman agreed to the penalty, assessed by Major League Baseball under its new domestic violence policy.

His girlfriend, 22-year-old Cristina Barnea, told police he pushed and choked her during an Oct. 30 incident at his home in Davie. Chapman said there was an argument but he was pushed down by Barnea's brother, then got a handgun and fired eight shots into a wall and window while locked in his garage.

Prosecutors declined to file charges, citing conflicting accounts.